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Nviiri backs govt’s proposed ban on influencers advertising alcohol
15th July, 2025 04:23 AM
Kenyan musician Nviiri Sande, widely known as Nviiri the Storyteller, has weighed in on the government’s proposed ban on influencers advertising and promoting alcoholic drinks.
While showing support for the proposed ban, Nviiri, taking to his official Instagram account on Monday, July 14, 2025, shared that during an alcohol promotion campaign in Kayole, he felt deep guilt, realising residents needed food and opportunities more than alcoholic drinks, which prompted him to stop endorsing them.
He further urged celebrities and influencers to stop promoting harmful products for money.
“siku ambayo nilifanya promo ya pombe Kayole nilihuzunika mno kujua wangependa chakulas au hela. ndiposa ikawa safari yangu ya mwisho kutumika hivi,”he said.
“Chochote ambacho hakiwezi muinua mwenzako usije ukamdanganya ni kizuri(influencers) kwa hayo machache wasani tukumbuke kuishi kwa ukweli kama unaamini mziki inalipa wacha kuuza kila kitu mbele yako waoneshe wale watakao kuja baadae kuwa usanii ni baraka na muito ila si biashara tu.”
Proposed ban
This comes after the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has backed a proposal to raise the legal drinking age in Kenya from 18 to 21, saying the move is rooted in research and international best practices.
According to the Authority, studies have shown that delaying the age young people start drinking reduces the risk of addiction, brain damage, and risky behaviour.
“The brain continues developing until the mid-20s,” the post added.
NACADA also pointed to countries like the United States, where the minimum drinking age is 21, saying such nations report lower levels of underage drinking, drunk-driving deaths, and alcohol-related harm compared to those with lower age limits.
“The proposal to raise the legal drinking age to 21 is a well-informed prevention strategy grounded in scientific research, public health best practices, and evidence from global success stories,” NACADA stated in a post on X on Monday, July 14, 2025.
The move is part of a wider plan under the new National Policy on the Prevention of Alcohol, Drugs and Substance Use (2025), which was approved by the Cabinet on June 24. The policy includes strict rules aimed at reducing alcohol and drug abuse among young people.
In addition, celebrities will no longer be allowed to promote alcohol brands, and adverts will be banned during children’s programmes and school events.
The 2025 survey by NACADA showed that 87.3 per cent of university students in Kenya consume alcohol, with many saying they get drugs from friends, canteens, and neighbourhood bars.
